Definition
Low Intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (LI-ESWT) is a relatively new and innovative treatment for erectile dysfunction with high success rates and minimal side effects if any!
WHAT IS LI-ESWT?
Low Intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (LI-ESWT) in ED is a non-invasive treatment option in which short impulses of focused shock waves with a low intensity are directed at the penis.
The shock waves are generated in a medical equipment and then travel through the patient’s skin into the tissue. This triggers a pathway that leads to the formation of new blood vessels or neovascularization, and stimulation of the local nervous system and vessels, hence improving blood flow and erectile function. No drug is used in this treatment. The procedure takes about 15 to 20 minutes in each session and it’s almost always painless. Most cases need 6 to 10 sessions of treatment performed once or twice weekly. A great advantage of this modern treatment option is its safety with no major risks or side effects.
WHAT ARE SHOCK WAVES?
Shock waves are made by specific medical devices with different mechanisms, all of which result in the production of an acoustic wave.
That is why these audible waves are also called Sonicwave by some professionals. High energy shock waves have been known for many years and used in several medical procedures. For instance, disintegration of kidney stones or Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) has been used for more than 3 decades. There are also several other procedures in urology, cardiology, orthopaedics, aesthetics, neurology and veterinary medicine in which ESWT plays an essential role.
Low energy shock waves have been clinically proven¹ and used for many years to treat damaged muscles, tendons and bones including golfers’ elbow, tennis elbow and non-healing bone fractures.
For a list of clinical trials in ED, IPP (Peyronie’s disease) and CPPS click here
MECHANISM
When shock waves are applied to the area, they cause micro-trauma (minor injury) to penile tissue, which triggers the healing process. In this process, growth factors and other substances are secreted, and new blood vessels are generated. This is a physical influence (like in physiotherapy) and no drug is used. The process increases blood flow in the penis and perineum which may result in better getting and maintaining erections.
WHAT CONDITIONS CAN BE TREATED WITH SHOCK WAVES?
There are a few conditions that can be treated by LI-ESWT. They include but are not limited to:
ED – ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Men affected by ED are unable to develop or maintain an erection enough for sexual performance. There are different physical and psychological causes, but most ED cases are of vascular origin, or a condition that may cause vascular impairment like diabetes. For more information about ED click here. When treating ED with shock wave therapy, low-intensity shock waves are applied to different treatment zones on the penis and the perineum. The process is painless, and many patients report a significant improvement in their erections within a few weeks.
IPP – INDURATIO PENIS PLASTICA
(PEYRONIE’S DISEASE)
Induratio Penis Plastica (IPP or Peyronie’s disease), is an acquired and generally progressive condition of the penis in which a thickened nodule (plaque) appears under the skin of the penis usually following a severe penile trauma. As the disease progresses, pain may develop with or without an erection, and a curvature may happen in the penis when erected, which may impair sexual performance. In IPP treatment, pain points and plaques are targeted with ESWT.
CPPS – CHRONIC PELVIC
PAIN SYNDROME
Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS) is characterized by pain in pelvic floor and at the same time, the patient may have problems in micturition without urinary tract infection. Some patients may also experience ED. It is treated with ESWT in perineum, prostate and the pelvic floor.
Affiliate with FullMast Men's Health Clinics
(for ED click here)
